Murphy taps Castner as Gun Czar

Accompanied by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Gov. Phil Murphy has named Bill Castner as Senior Advisor to the Governor on Firearms for the state of New Jersey.

Castner served as chief counsel to Gov. Jon Corzine and as Executive Director of the Assembly Majority Office while Joseph Roberts was the speaker.  He was also the chief counsel to the Democratic members of the New Jersey Apportionment Commission that drew maps for legislative districts in 2011.

“New Jersey is leading the nation in tackling the epidemic of gun violence that takes innocent lives daily,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The creation of the States for Gun Safety coalition was only the beginning. Bill Castner will play an active role in enhancing the coalition and will help our administration to advance new common-sense gun measures and potential avenues for legal challenges to stop the scourge of gun violence. Leading the force for gun violence protection to build safer communities and protect families at the state level is of the utmost importance, and I am confident that Bill will generate ideas and solutions that will save lives.”

The move also puts an experienced statehouse political insider near the governor.

“Governor Murphy in a very short period of time has already emerged as a national leader in our fight against gun violence,” said Bill Castner. “Despite complete inaction in Washington, New Jersey will lead the way in taking on the gun industry with aggressive, innovative and impactful ways to combat gun violence.”

Gifford was in Trenton for the Castner announcement as part of a two-day New Jersey visit.  Her husband, astronaut and West Orange native Mark Kelly, was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame last night.  The two made campaign appearances today for congressional candidates Mikie Sherrill and Andy Kim.

“Leadership requires courage and commitment. While running for office Phil Murphy committed to doing more to protect New Jersey families and communities. We stood by his side then and are proud to stand with him today as we announce a new effort to address the trauma and tragedy brought on by senseless gun violence,” said Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords. “We are excited to partner with Governor Murphy and Bill Castner to make sure New Jersey continues to be a national leader on gun safety. This is a model that will show others how we can take the fight against gun violence to the next level.”

Castner, who began his career working for the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services OLS) and as an attorney for the Fair Share Housing Center, served as general counsel to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires.  He has been the senior vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield since 2015.  He was a law clerk to New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice James Zazzali, who along with Roberts were in the statehouse for the announcement today.